Declaration Of Damnatio Memoriae

The history of Rome has been collected many evidences that brought and still brings numerous questions in certain aspects. In particular, there are very well established evidences about the possibility of an involvement of the Senate of Rome during the declaration and proclamation of damnatio memoriae. The evidences, or to say better, the non-evidences found in various artefacts suggest an increasing use of Damnatio Memoriae during the Principate period. The curious fact is that the majority of those erased inscriptions and alteration of images have been proclaimed by the senators of Rome and had as protagonists not only emperors but also their families.

Damnatio Memoriae was used by the Romans to cancel people responsible of high crimes against Rome and its Empire. This form of punishment was used for Emperors and high commanders. The members of the royal families could have been condemned for the same reason. The reasons why people and above all, the Senate, wanted these episodes of their history cancelled are still contradictory and they are subject to various debates between archeologists, historians and critics. …show more content…
It is difficult to recall who decided to use this particular form of punishment but sources seem to proclaim an involvement of the Senate. According to Varner “ it accurately reflects the Romans’ preoccupation with the concepts of memory and fame”. Varner states that in general the Romans were concerned about their status but the people who were more worried about Rome’s position in history was the senate. This thought could be one of the many reasons that persuaded to apply this law. The damnatio memoriae was proclaimed only by the emperors, the senate and the high commanders in the army. However, the senate had to preside in every case as it was an official proclamation and it was legally